Lads sixth in Otten Cup

Our Under-18s finished sixth overall in PSV Eindhoven's Otten Cup.

The lads went down 2-1 to Anderlecht in the fifth/sixth-place play-off on Sunday after narrowly losing out on a place in the semi-finals.

Nathan Byrne (pictured) was on target as the lads tried in vain to pull back a 2-0 deficit against the Belgian side.

Coach Alex Inglethorpe reported: "We picked up a few injuries so started without the likes of John Bostock, Dean Parrett, Paul Jose Mpoku - experienced players in this group - plus Josh Ekim and Jesse Waller Lassen.

"With that in mind I have to give full credit to the lads because we played ever so well.

"We missed a penalty in the first half, it was goalless at the break and we then went a goal down early in the second half. We pushed forward and were unlucky not to get an equaliser but then went 2-0 down.

"We managed to get a goal back when Nathan Byrne, a makeshift centre forward, converted a good cross from Paul McBride.

"Overall, a lot of positives to take from the game and the tournament."

The squad will now complete preparations this week for the opening match of the Premier Academy League this weekend and a long trip to Middlesbrough.